Can Dogs Eat Pork Liver?

Yes, dogs can eat a small amount of plain, cooked pork liver. It is not toxic. The risk is too much of it. Liver is rich in vitamin A, and the Merck Veterinary Manual says a diet of mostly liver can cause vitamin A poisoning. Think of it as a small treat.

Is pork liver good for dogs?

Pork liver is a meat that is full of nutrients. None of our sources talk about pork liver by name. The AKC does say that beef and chicken liver are packed with nutrients, including vitamins that help the immune system and skin. Pork liver is also an organ meat, so it is reasonable to treat it the same way. That is our best reading, not a direct statement from a source.

Plain, cooked pork is safe for dogs, according to the AKC. That includes keeping it free of sauces and seasonings.

Why can too much liver hurt dogs?

Liver is a rich source of vitamin A. Too much vitamin A over a long time can harm dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual says that feeding only liver can cause vitamin A poisoning in both dogs and cats.

Merck says this is rare in dogs. Dogs seem less sensitive to extra vitamin A than cats. When it does happen, the usual signs in dogs are:

• Bones that grow in the wrong way
• Bones that break easily
• Bleeding inside the body

Merck also lists fused joints and fused back bones. These problems build up slowly, so a few bites of liver now and then are not the worry. A steady diet of liver is.

How do I serve liver safely?

Keep it simple:

1. Cook it fully. The AKC says raw or undercooked pork is not safe for dogs or people. It can carry a parasite that causes an infection called trichinosis. The AKC says this affects people more often than dogs, and signs in dogs can be hard to notice.
2. Leave off the extras. The AKC warns that onion powder, garlic powder, and nutmeg are highly toxic to dogs. Pan-fried liver with onions is not a treat to share.
3. Cut it into small pieces. Give a few bites as a reward.
4. Count it as a treat. Treats should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

We did not find a vet source that gives an exact safe amount of liver. Ask your vet how much fits your dog’s size and diet.

Other kinds of liver

Can dogs eat beef liver?

Yes, a little. The AKC calls beef liver nutrient dense. Serve it cooked and plain, in small bites. Some dogs are allergic to beef, and the AKC says those dogs may need to avoid beef liver treats.

Can dogs eat chicken liver?

Yes, a little. The AKC also lists chicken liver as a nutrient-rich food. Cook it fully. The AKC says most sources advise against raw chicken because of the risk of salmonella and other germs. Dogs with a chicken allergy may need to skip it.

Can dogs eat liver treats?

Often yes. The AKC points to freeze-dried beef liver as an example of a treat with a short ingredient list: it has only one ingredient. Read the label, and keep the amount small.

What about puppies and dogs with health problems?

The sources we read do not give advice about puppies or dogs with health problems. Because liver is so rich, ask your vet before you add it to the diet of a puppy, a senior dog, or a dog with a long-term illness.

What can I give instead?

If you want a protein treat, plain cooked meat works well. See our guides to pork, chicken, and beef for dogs.